Coldplay is a group created in 1998 from England. It represents the revival of the pop-rock scene made in UK in the years 2000. "Parachutes" is their first full-length album, which follows two EPs "The Safety EP" and "The Blue Room". Originally from the four corners of the kingdom, the members of Coldplay, Chris Martin (singer, pianist, guitarist), Will Champion (drummer), Guy Berryman (bassist) and Jonny Buckland (guitarist), are respectively English for the first two, Scottish and Welsh.
The influence of Radiohead can be felt (in particular in 'Spies') throughout the album, in particular towards their 'OK Computer' and its very experimental framework. Musically, it's fairly classic pop rock with a good level of electric guitars and soft, elegant piano passages. But what stands out the most is the voice of the singer and leader Chris Martin, both detached and soothing thanks to his unmistakable tone.
Each track proves to be a little gem of grace and accuracy, taking the album to new heights and creating a sense of fulfillment from the very first tracks. The lyrics are admirable, sunny, but the music behind them is the opposite, exceptionally sad. Even in the strongest moments like "Shiver" and its powerful riffs, or "Yellow" and its frenzied rhythm, one always finds the phlegmatic side of the band.
The classical guitar segments are really magical and touching, as proven by 'We Never Change' and 'Parachutes'. The melancholic parts are captivating, like the piano on the hit 'Trouble', and the emotional power is absolutely fantastic on tracks like 'Shiver', 'Troubles' or 'Yellow'. Some well brought jazzy touches are apparent in 'Sparks' as well as in the last track of this opus. The album ends with a convoluted track, 'Everything's Not Lost', which after a few seconds of silence, reveals a hidden track, 'Life Is For Living'.
"Parachutes" is a must-have album of the last decade in the pop-rock genre. A masterful work from Coldplay, all in delicacy, whose essence will be completely delivered to you by a quiet listening to the headphones.